Darkside Trike tires?

My trike only has 3200 miles on the original factory tires, so I'm a ways away from needing to replace it. I intend to replace it with the Hercules Raptis 155 50 13 mentioned in other threads. It's an obvious thing to go Darkside on a trike since there is no question of handling in the corners and twisties - the trike stays upright and the rider does all the leaning.

What is the consensus on putting a Darkside tire on the front wheel of a trike?

FYI: The outrigger tires on the Danson kit are Kumho Ecsta AST 195/50R-15's

I replace my front mc tire with a 140 70 14 Avon Stryker rear tire and installed it in the arrow facing forward.When I road it on 2 wheels It handled very well ,did not notice any different's in the handling of my 120 80 14 IRC,and has 2 1/2 times deeper threads dept.In almost 6k kl now and no visible sign of ware. The Avon Stryker rear tire is the only scooter tire that can be install on the front rim. They do have a 120 80 14 front tire with a deeper thread dept then other scooter front tires.

Gyro wrote:

What is the consensus on putting a Darkside tire on the front wheel of a trike?

I checked some of the other Darkside forums. Others have put a Darkside car tire on the front.

Take a look at the Stallion Trike ( http://www.motortrike.com/trikeThoroughbredStallion.aspx ) that looks to be a Darkside car tire.

honda_silver wrote:

Gyro wrote:

What is the consensus on putting a Darkside tire on the front wheel of a trike?

I checked some of the other Darkside forums. Others have put a Darkside car tire on the front.

Take a look at the Stallion Trike ( http://www.motortrike.com/trikeThoroughbredStallion.aspx ) that looks to be a Darkside car tire.

Yes, there's a local guy here with a Stallion trike. IMHO, those are more three-wheeled cars than they are motorcycle trikes. The freaking things have a steering wheel & air conditioning!

I was concerned about any potential problems caused by the fact that there is very little front wheel lean on a trike. Could there be potential problems with the tire seating and staying sealed against the rim because of the different side loading forces? Is the design of the S'wing front rim & bead seat any different than the rear? (I would not think so, but?)

Gyro look at the front tire you have now you can see the tire ware marks when you turn at slow speed and see the contact patch .the 140 70 14 will give about 1/4 " more when you are turning .There is almost the same contact patch ware on the tire as if you are on 2 wheels .The only difference is that it's the rake angle that turns the tire at slow speeds.and at HWY speed in the turns.

Even though the Stallion is more a three-wheeled car than it is motorcycle trike I would still like to add one to my collection. But looking at the web site from the link Bill posted. I quote "The cost of a Stallion is $33,995 plus tax, title, license and delivery." Well if I can't afford a trike kit for my SilverWing I sure can't afford a Stallion. And even if I could afford a Stallion I would not give up my SilverWing. I would have to be able to trike my SilverWing and get a Stallion, and that will never happen.

Because of a front end wobble on my wife's Yelvington trike,I did the research and purchased a Michelin Gold Standard rear tire in size 140/70-14. I have it mounted and balanced in the "reverse" mode similar to the Michelin Pilot Activ that I have on my Goldwing trike. Apparently, the Gold Standard has been replaced by the City Grip model, but I liked the look of the Gold Standard tread pattern better and found some on Ebay for a good price, $50.00 including shipping. Thie tire seems to be bigger and heavier but it sure fits the bill on the trike and since it is bias ply and not subject to radical wear on the sidewalls I figure it should double or triple the mileage on the original front tire.

Again, your mileage may differ.


Rob